HOW POWERLESSNESS MAKES ROOM FOR GRACE -“We are not cured … . What we really have is a daily reprieve contingent on the maintenance of our spiritual condition.” (The Big Book, p. 85)
“In his state of complete powerlessness the individual perceives the time he has left to live as a brief reprieve.”
– Theodor Adorno (1903 – 1969) German philosopher
Lil Baby & 42 Dugg – Grace (3:27)
In what ways have you felt relief after acknowledging powerlessness over something, lately?
The Two Cockerels and The Eagle :
“There were once two cockerels. Both wanted to rule the roost in the farmyard and they decided to resolve the question, once and for all, by fighting a duel. They both fought bravely, but, in the end, one had to give up and ran away. The winner flew up onto a little wall and launched its triumphant, ‘Cock-a-doodle-doo.’
Unfortunately, the noise attracted the attention of an eagle, which swept down and raked the cockerel with its claws. From this, we see that God gives grace to the humble and He does not hesitate to punish those who are too proud.” (http://www.english-for-students.com/The-Two-Cockerels-and-The-Eagle.html)
In today’s SFZ the quotes seem to equate powerlessness with being grateful for each day that we have on Earth because there tomorrow is never guaranteed.
Good morning everyone + Happy Thursday. Here is today’s thought. And the people asked him, What are we to do? How can we be saved? And the prophet answered, Share your abundance, treat people honestly, + be satisfied with what you have. (John the Baptist) Give freely of your self + join us as we trudge the road of Happy Destiny. Blessings. BB
Once I admitted this powerlessness, I let go of many of the negative feelings I had about myself such as the self-loathing and doubt. And once I have a more positive attitude about myself, I feel more grateful and open to divine grace.
As I think Diana Ross once said, “if there’s a cure for this, I don’t want it.” I like me. Lots more than I did when I was lushy.
Today i need to remember feelings are not facts
Submit myself to a loving higher power is something
I dont have while ” out there”
I would love to think that someday I will be “cured.” What would that mean? Maybe that I can return to mindless, unconscious living? Maybe that I no longer have to (get to?) move throughout the day needing or even remembering my Higher Power. I pray that day never comes. From this place of insanity I have been granted this “reprieve.” From walking through the fire I have arrived, scarred, shaken, and yearning to know more about who my Spirit is – who my Higher Power is – what I need vs. what I want. In this place I stand with my face toward the sun and know I am beloved.